Summer Travel Recs

Summer Travel Recs

For summer vacation 2011, executives (and one four-legged VIP) at airlines, tour operators and travel companies give their tips on new routes, expanded service, and increased access. Let them guide you from Arizona to Istanbul to the wine trails of South Africa.

Summer Travel Recs

For summer vacation 2011, executives (and one four-legged VIP) at airlines, tour operators and travel companies give their tips on new routes, expanded service, and increased access. Let them guide you from Arizona to Istanbul to the wine trails of South Africa.

Summer Travel Recs

'Turkey is currently attracting quite a few travelers who would otherwise have gone to the Middle East, but are a bit worried about the political instability so much in the news. Turkey is a wonderful combination of European culture and so many other Central Asian influences. It's a country with incredible diversity - ancient ruins, beautiful palaces, lovely beaches, fantastic mountains, Ottoman palaces and religious sites. And where else can you claim you have visited 2 continents in one city?' Richie Karaburun, President, GTA/Travelbound

Summer Travel Recs

'Although this itinerary is not new to Insight Vacations, it is new to many Americans. Most have no idea how much beauty there is in their own country, let alone in the American West. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, and Monument Valley and Lake Powell [pictured] are all part of Insight Vacations? Wonders of the American West tour--which truly lives up to its name. What nature has carved through millions of years of erosion is a wonder, and to be up close and personal is a privilege.' Richard Launder, President, The Travel Corporation, USA

Summer Travel Recs

'Summer 2011 will continue to see an increase in extremely unique, 'bucket-list' experiences in far flung destinations. Travelers are looking to tick those must see travel experiences off their lists and are now seeking the experiences that will allow them to return home with bragging rights among their friends. These thrill seeking experiences include: the 'Nepal: Himalayan Helicopter Safari' journey by Cox & Kings, which offers the opportunity to view eight of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, at 29,035 feet.' Thomas Stanley, Chief Operating Officer, Cox & Kings, The Americas

Summer Travel Recs

'Air New Zealand just started flying our new 777-300 aircraft with the Skycouch and Spaceseat to London, so I'm planning to spend some time in England this summer. Peter Gordon, one of Air New Zealand's consultant chefs, co-owns the Providores in London. I always try to make it there to enjoy a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc with their delicious Sunday roast.' Roger Poulton, Vice President, Air New Zealand/Americas

Summer Travel Recs

'British Airways inaugurated new daily non-stop flights with Boeing 777 aircraft from San Diego to London Heathrow on June 1, 2011. Discover day trips from London, like Stockbridge on the River Test in Hampshire. Stockbridge is known for incredible trout fishing, and my favorite culmination to a day's fishing outing is having a pint or two at Three Cups Inn, a quaint riverside favorite very popular with locals.' Kevin Burns, British Airways, Regional Director Western USA and West Canada

Summer Travel Recs

'On vacation, I like to wake up with a view, and in a room that has character. During the day, I like to experience new things like falconry, fly fishing, a cooking class, a remote island, a monastic site or a castle. In the evening, an intimate gourmet dinner or a lively night in a local pub can make for a perfect finale. Offering all of that and a hundred thousand welcomes, Ireland is where I am at home away from home.' Nico Zenner, President, Brendan Vacations

Summer Travel Recs

'For summer travelers who have some extended time to spend in Israel, EL AL offers a free round-trip flight between Tel Aviv and Eilat with the purchase of any EL AL round-trip ticket from the USA (JFK/Newark or Los Angeles). All you have to pay is a $15 stopover fee in each direction. EL AL passengers have the option to travel to Eilat on the way to Israel, on the way home, or in the middle of their vacation. We are excited that many more Americans will be able to experience the beauty, relaxation, excellent weather and many fun attractions that Eilat offers.' Danny Saadon, EL AL Vice President for North and Central America

Summer Travel Recs

'The summer months are the ideal time to visit Cape Town from the U.S. to escape the heat. The Garden Route from Cape Town to Knysna and George offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, and the nearby vineyards in Paarl and Stellenbosch are sure to delight wine aficionados. Emirates recently launched a second daily nonstop flight from Dubai to help support a growing interest in this iconic South African destination. Customers in the United States can connect from our four American gateways to Cape Town through our state of the art terminal in Dubai.' Nigel Page, Emirates Senior Vice President, the Americas

Summer Travel Recs

'On April 5, American Airlines began flying to Budapest from JFK, the only airline to offer nonstop, year round service from JFK to BUD. Budapest has all the classic venues, with great architecture that can be compared, without too much of a stretch, with Paris: the Parliament, Buda Castle, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the list goes on. But it also has hip attractions for the young, like the ruin pubs where you can get down and dirty in pleasant, grungey surroundings. Budapest is also gay-friendly and is a big draw for the LGBT audience. Then there's the wine country just half an hour away, and Hungary has some excellent wines, white, rosé, and red.' Jim Carter, American Airlines Vice President, Eastern Sales Division

Summer Travel Recs

'JetBlue's new service to Anchorage from L.A./Long Beach on May 23 is sure to be a hit with pets and people alike. Summer is the best time to visit with lots of daylight hours, great hiking on Alaska's canine-friendly trails and a chance to hang with Star, Anchorage's resident reindeer.' Moose, JetBlue?s official 'Most Traveled Pet, 2010' and spokesdog for the airline?s JetPaws TM program